Improvement in valves for steam-engines



E. HILL, Jr.

' VALVES FOR STEAM-ENGINES.

Nb.174,956. Patented March 21,1876.

NFETERS. PflOTO LJTNOGRAPNER WASHINGTON, D C.

f U ITED STATES PATENT EBENEZER HILL, JR., OF SOUTH NORWALK,CONNECTICUT.

IMPROVEMENT IN VALVES FOR STEAM-ENGINES.

Specification forming part of Letters PatentNo. [74,956, dated March 21,1876; application filed- February 15, 1876. a

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, EBENEZER HILL, Jr., of South Norwalk, in the countyof Fairfield and State of Connecticut, have invented certain new anduseful Improvements in Valves for Steam Pumps and Engines; and I dohereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exactdescription thereof, which will. enable others skilled in the art towhich it pertains to make and use the same, reference being had to theaccompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon,which form a part of this specification.

This invention relates to improvements in valves for steam-engines,especially such as are. used for working steam-pumps, direct-actingengines, &c., whereby it is designed to provide a more simple, durable,compact, and improved means for working the said valves by the directaction of steam, admitted by means of cavities or ports, establishingcommunication from the main cylinder to an auxiliary cylinder locatedwithin the exhaustchannel of the main slide-valve, the main pistonacting or performing the duty of a cut-off.

The especial improvements consist in the arrangement of an auxiliarycylinder within the exhaust-port of the main slide-valve, with itspiston-valve, and of the ports of the valve relatively thereto, and theworking of the main valve automatically, as will be hereinafter morefully described.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 represents alongitudinal vertical section of a steam-engine cylinder and valvechest,with valves therein, in illustration of my improvements.

It will be seen that the main-valve chest is on top of theengine-cylinder. The main valve being moved in the direction of thearrow, the live-steam port C is opened to admit steam to the cylinder,and press the main piston forward, until the induction-port B, whichadmits steam to the auxiliary cylinder is uncovered to act on thepiston-valve E, which throws the main valve in the opposite direction,where it is held by the expansive force of the steam by which it wasmoved until the main piston has performed its corresponding orreciprocating 'movement. When, on its return stroke, asimilarly-arranged port, B, is uncovered, the next flow of live steamfrom the main cylinder entering on the opposite side of thepiston-valve, throwing the main valve in the opposite direction, and soon alternately. Thus it will be seen that the main piston performs thefunction of a cut-01f, and reciprocates with the auxiliary piston andthe main valve, whereby rapid motion or great velocity of speed may beacquired.

The exhaust from the cylindrical valve may be arranged in any well-knownmanner, but, as presented, it passes through two small ports, one oneach end of the valve-stem communicating with a longitudinal portthrough the said stem to the exhaust-passage of the engine.

It is evident that the construction is simple, cheap, and easilyoperated, without being liable to get out of order, as is usual with somany self-operatin g valves of complicated construction, and thus securea great saving not only in its manipulation and repairs, but also infirst cost.

The main cylinder is cast in the usual manner, having the ordinarysteam-ports therein, but it may be cast with the auxiliary cylinder, andits relative ports in the same casting which may be bored out in theusual manner common to machinists, and which method I prefer.

The auxiliary cylinder is supplied with steam through theports B B,which will be hereinafter more fully described.

The main cylinder is supplied with the usual steam-chest, the main valveD being cast with the exhaust-port, considerably enlarged, so as toinclose the auxiliary cylinder within the exhaust-cavity. This cylinderD is rigidly fixed to ,the face of the main cylinder, as before stated,the exhaust steam on its eduction entirely surrounding it. A cylindricalor piston valve is inserted, the stems of which pass through the ends ofsaid auxiliary cylinder, fitting snugly against the inner side of thewalls of the exhaust-cavity of the main valve.

Any leakage around the main valve will not materially efiect itsoperation, as such steam may pass through the ports communicating withthe auxiliary cylinder to the general exhaust or eduction passage.

The lap or lead of the valves may be provided for in any of thewell-known methods.

Having thus fully described my invention, whatl claim, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is

1. The combination of the stationary auxiliary cylinder upon thevalve-face of main cylinder and the valve, said cylinder being locatedwithin the exhaust-passage of the main valve. substantially asdescribed.

2. The combination of fixed cylinder P, valve D having its enlargedexhaust-passage and

